Marcelo Bielsa, 70, hinted on Thursday that he might not remain as Uruguay's national team coach after the World Cup, stating that his work with the team ends with the tournament. "Our work ends with the World Cup," Bielsa said at an event organized by the Uruguayan Football Association.

Though he did not elaborate further on his statement, local media reported that the Argentinian will not continue after his current contract expires at the end of the World Cup. "A wonder in a professional's sporting career is to participate in a World Cup," he said. "I will always be grateful to Uruguay for allowing me to enjoy a competition like the World Cup."

Bielsa's World Cup History

This is Bielsa's third World Cup as a coach, following his tenure with Argentina in 2002 and Chile's quarter-final appearance in Brazil in 2014.

Bielsa's Time with Uruguay

After a successful stint with Leeds United, Bielsa took over Uruguay in 2023, leading the team through CONMEBOL qualifiers and to a third-place finish at the Copa América in 2024. However, Uruguay's recent form has been inconsistent, with draws against England and Algeria in March and a 5-1 loss to the USA in October.

Uruguay begins their World Cup campaign on June 16 in Group H against Saudi Arabia, followed by matches against Grenada on June 22 and Spain on June 27.